During swing, extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus assist with what?

During swing, extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus assist with what?

• A. Knee extension only
• B. Hip adduction only
• C. Ankle dorsiflexion and toe extension
• D. Subtalar inversion only

Answer: (C)

During swing, lifting the foot to clear the ground is crucial, and the muscles in the front of the leg handle this. Extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus run down the leg and cross the ankle, allowing them to dorsiflex the ankle (pull the foot upward) and extend the toes. Extensor hallucis longus extends the big toe, while extensor digitorum longus extends the other toes. This combination helps prevent toe drag and prepares the foot for heel strike. They do not extend the knee, adduct the hip, or invert the subtalar joint, since those actions come from other muscles.

During swing, lifting the foot to clear the ground is crucial, and the muscles in the front of the leg handle this. Extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus run down the leg and cross the ankle, allowing them to dorsiflex the ankle (pull the foot upward) and extend the toes. Extensor hallucis longus extends the big toe, while extensor digitorum longus extends the other toes. This combination helps prevent toe drag and prepares the foot for heel strike. They do not extend the knee, adduct the hip, or invert the subtalar joint, since those actions come from other muscles.